NORTH EAST TO LEAD THE WAY ON RENEWABLE ENERGY

Lib Dem Energy Spokesperson in the European Parliament,Fiona Hall, yesterday hosted a top level discussion on renewable energy with experts from the North East region, including representatives from Tees Biofuel Company ENSUS and the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC).

The round table talks, held at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth was a unique opportunity to discuss the European Parliament’s report on the draft Renewable Energy Directive, with both Fiona, who is leading the negotiations for the ALDE (Liberal and Democrat ) political group, and with the writer of the report,  Luxembourg MEP Claude Turmes.

The European Directive proposes that, overall, 20% of EU energy should come from renewable sources by 2020, with  a binding target of 15% for the UK. The UK’s share of energy from renewable sources was just 1.3% in 2005 (the third worst in Europe) despite having an abundance of natural resources and scientific and technological expertise in the field of renewable energy.

Those present at the event recognised the benefits that the EU Directive could bring to North East England, which is considered a pioneer region for research and utilisation of renewable energy technologies. Economic development, including in rural areas, export opportunities and “green collar” jobs, plus a positive effect on climate change, would all flow from the expansion of renewable industries in the region.

Delighted by the success of the day, Fiona said:

"This meeting has been an important forum which has enabled debate and discussion between experts in the field and between industry and politicians.

“It was a unique opportunity for the North East renewables industry to feed its hopes and concerns directly to the people responsible for the new European legislation on renewables.

“It is vital that the Renewables Directive gives the North East renewables industry a sound legal framework  within which it can develop up to 2020 and beyond. “